Company officials confirmed Wednesday that the Van’s IGA grocery on 10th Avenue South will close by the end of September, putting some 40 full- and part-time employees out of work.

Employees were told about the upcoming closure Tuesday and Wednesday.

Frank Cannon, Helena-based general manager for Teeples Market Inc., which owns the store at 3160 10th Ave. S., said the company was hesitant to renew a long-term lease because of the uncertain market with a new Wal-Mart being built at the east end of town.

Wal-Mart has announced plans to build a super store at the east end of 10th Avenue South starting late this year.

Cannon said the property owners then lined up another company to lease the property.

“As a result, Van’s plans to wind down our business and close the store by the end of September,” he said. “We have been fortunate to serve our many loyal employees over several years and have enjoyed being an active member of the community.”

Cannon said the company also “appreciates the hard work of our many dedicated employees.”

He said the Great Falls Van’s employees will be offered some severance pay on top of accrued vacation time and a preference to be hired for any available openings in the company’s other groceries in Browning, Helena, Dillon, Billings and Forsyth.

“I’m very sad,” said Gervaise Ferry Wednesday as she left Van’s with a cart full of groceries. “All of the people here are so friendly. This is my favorite store, and the prices here are actually a lot cheaper than I find at other stores.”

Dick Zadick, who owns the property with his brother Bob, said a chain retail company from out of the region that he declined to name has made a tentative commitment to lease the property.

“Van’s was a good tenant and we’re sorry to see them go,” Zadick added.

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Cannon said Teeples Market Inc. had enjoyed its many years in Great Falls. He said the company operated the northside store since the late 1980s and the 10th Avenue South, previously a County Market, since 2006.

Rich Chadwick, owner of Everyday IGA, with locations at 701 1st Ave. N. and 2506 6th Ave. N., said he is not involved in leasing the 10th Ave. S. property.